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Who is Omari Forson? Why Erik ten Hag has thrust 19-year-old academy starlet into Man Utd lineup at crucial stage of the season

Premier League

Brighton

Manchester United

Luton

Fulham

Forson was born in Hammersmith, London to parents of Ghanaian origin. The attacking midfielder, who can play out wide as well, started his journey in West Ham United's academy before moving to Tottenham, but couldn't see a clear pathway to break through at the north London club, and ended up joining Manchester United's youth system in 2019.Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Erik ten Hag included the teenager in his senior squad for United's pre-season tour. On February 2, 2024, Forson was handed his debut as he came on as a substitute in the Red Devils' dramatic 4-3 win over Wolves, and marked the occasion by <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-utd-player-ratings-vs-wolves-kobbie-mainoo-marcus-rashford/blt72cc3dbb0cfe6329" target="_blank">providing the assist for Kobbie Mainoo's winning goal</a>. After spending the last three games on United's bench, Forson was handed his first start against Fulham on Saturday.

WHO IS OMARI FORSON?

Ten Hag decided to include the youngster in his starting lineup after the news that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/nightmare-man-utd-rasmus-hojlund-miss-manchester-city-clash/bltecc17b27c81f7931" target="_blank">Rasmus Hojlund is facing three weeks on the sidelines</a> due to a calf injury. Fellow academy graduates Marcus Rashford and Mainoo were also included in the lineup, with Victor Lindelof coming in for the injured Luke Shaw in defence.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨 The Reds make 2️⃣ changes, with <a href="https://twitter.com/vlindelof?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VLindelof</a> and Omari Forson — making his first senior start for the Reds — coming into the team 📋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUNFUL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUNFUL</a>— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1761390533769892195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHY HAS ERIK TEN HAG SELECTED OMARI FORSON?

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Fulham clash, Ten Hag explained why he handed Forson his maiden Premier League start. The Dutch coach said: "He came twice lately in games against Newport and Wolves. Against Wolves he had a very good moment where he was decisive in making Kobbie Mainoo's goal so he deserves to play. But he proved it when he came on as a sub and in training."

WHAT TEN HAG SAID

Forson's inclusion in the starting lineup ahead of Amad Diallo and Antony could be an indication the duo may be placed on the transfer list in the summer. Amad, who has appeared in just one league game in the 2023-24 season so far, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/amad-diallo-man-utd-stay-old-trafford-january-transfer-window-championship-loan/blt86e58113932acabe#cs4940c1ca10c71d10" target="_blank">was linked with a move away from the club in January</a> amid interest from Sunderland, but expressed his desire to stay and fight for his place. Antony, meanwhile, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/erik-ten-hag-admits-antony-hasn-t-shown-big-potential-man-utd-boss-opens-door-amad-diallo-omari-forson/blt271e80f17eca3602" target="_blank">has managed to score just once</a> in 25 appearances this season as his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/antony-biggest-waste-money-premier-league-history-man-utd-cut-losses-85m-flop/bltdfdca9e4c1f5027c" target="_blank">disappointing form continues</a> following his £85 million ($108m) move to Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS?

Who is Omari Forson? Why Erik ten Hag has thrust 19-year-old academy starlet into Man Utd lineup at crucial stage of the season | Goal.com

Erik ten Hag handed 19-year-old Omari Forson his first-ever Premier League start for Manchester United against Fulham.

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